Breastfeeding may be free, but there are certain gadgets and accessories that can help ease the process – and make great presents! Here is my list of the most Useful Gifts for the Breastfeeding Mom.
Practical and Useful Gifts for the Breastfeeding Mom
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Motherlove Nipple Cream – Amazon = a large, 1 oz container.
The first few days… or even weeks.. of Nursing can produce sore nipple for many mothers. This thick and soothing, organic cream can help. I give out samples of this cream, and their amazing diaper rash ointment, in my Breastfeeding Basics Class (Should you take a breastfeeding class?) because I love it so much! When I was nursing my first, I tried EVERYTHING I could get a hold of to soothe my burning nipple, from lanolin to ice – but I didn’t really get relief until another mother handed me a jar of this stuff. Trust me, it’s a life saver!
Motherlove Diaper Balm – Amazon = a large 1oz jar (A little goes a LONG way!!)
Speaking of Motherlove’s Diaper Balm – this ointment tops my list of ‘must haves’ for ANY mom, nursing or not. While not a Breastfeeding specific product, this is a PARENT specific product, one that can truly help you with those persistent diaper rashes that do not seem to respond to anything. Though my girls are 4 & 6 now, I still keep a jar handy for the occasional rash they develop when they neglect to wipe as well as they should. Thick and easy to spread, it goes on clear while still fully covering the area. A small amount goes a long, long way!
Earth Mama Angel Baby Booby Tubes – Amazon
For any mom experiencing breast discomfort during any stage of nursing, relief can be found with these heating/cooling, gel-free breast packs by trusted Earth Mama Angel Baby. Reusable and effective, these packs can help soothe and ease the pain that nursing can sometimes cause.
Milk Bands Breastfeeding Reminder Bracelet – Amazon
One of the golden rules of Breastfeeding is to switch sides between feedings. If your babe nurses from the right side for this session, and is satisfied with that breast, then nurse from the left side for the next feeding. Yet sometimes remembering WHICH side to nurse on next can be difficult, especially when you are caring for older children, running errands, living life, or during those late night hours when our brains just don’t seem to work. Some moms have solved this problem by using hair ties on their wrists, they just switch it back and forth to help remind them which side to nurse on next. This silicone bracelet from Milk Bands serves that same purpose, without the pressure and indentations hair ties can cause. It’s simple, cheap and effective. Etsy also has some adorable, and far more fashionable options, like this one from SugarBerryMemorials.
Toogli Teething Necklace – Amazon
This may say ‘Teething’ necklace, but the long pendent design makes this the perfect nursing necklace for the Breastfeeding Mom. If you haven’t heard, or tried, a nursing necklace yet – then you are in for a pleasant surprise. Nursing necklaces are long enough and safe enough to give your nursing babe something to play with while they nurse, a distraction for twiddling little fingers… so they don’t twiddle YOU! As any Breastfeeding mama can tell you, most babies reach an age when they start to try to play with the other nipple while they nurse… something that can drive even the calmest mom crazy! You can push their hands away, cover up, move, etc… often to little avail. The solution? Give them a distraction, like this pendant style necklace. And since it is made from 100% food grade organic BPA Free Silicone, it serves double duty as a Nursing Necklace – AND the teething necklace it was designed for.
Zenda Manual Breast Pump with Lid – Amazon
Those this little gadget is not suitable for full time pumping, it is perfect for on the go pumping – something many Nursing Moms will face over the holidays! Made of silicone, this compact pump can slip into your diaper bag and be pulled out in a moment notice. It uses gentle pressure applied to the collection bottom to create a suction effect that helps the milk flow freely. Budget friendly, easy to use and compact to carry, there aren’t many nursing moms out there that would turn this adorable pump down.
Simple Wishes All-in-One Bra – Amazon
There are a lot of nursing bras and pumping bras out there, yet Simple Wishes has combined the best of both worlds in an easy to use and wear that can go from pumping to nursing and back again. Reviews on Amazon are mixed, yet the internet proves Simple Wishes has a small cult following for their large varieties of nursing and pumping bras. For a slightly more expensive option, you can look at Dairy Fairy, which offers a plethora of attractive styles that would suit everyone, of every size.
ErgoBaby 360 All Carry Positions – Amazon
No Breastfeeding Gift list would be complete without the Ergo. This baby carrier is one of the most popular options out there, and for good reason. Award winning and easy to use, this carrier puts your baby directly on your body – where he or she most wants to be. Secure, comfortable and easy to nurse in (just slip the baby down a bit, release your nursing bra and viola! You can use the pull up sun/wind shield flap for coverage if you like) this carrier will carry you and your babe throughout the stages of growth and nursing. When they are younger, they can face chest to chest, then as they grow older, you can turn them outwards to see the world (while still maintaining ergonomic positioning of their legs) or even slip them around to your back in a backpack style carry that can be fun for both of you. Please note that Ergo’s require an infant insert for babies under 4 months of age and 12lbs – you can find that here.
Your turn:
What are YOUR favorite gifts for Breastfeeding Moms? What helped you the most? What was most meaningful? Leave a comment, join the conversation – I would love to hear from you!!
Join the conversation!